THERESA: Here's a note I just received from Char Nolan, who was featured on our site just before she ran in the Rock and Roll Marathon in San Diego earlier this year. She's very inspiring, and we wish her well as she trains for the Philadelphia Distance Run!

Hello Theresa and Crew:

A few days before leaving for San Diego, my sister called me from North Carolina to tell me that my nephew, who ran track as a sophomore at Yale, probably had osteopgenicsarcoma and would have to have his leg amputated. Devastating news for any young man--more so that he is so young and a vibrant runner.

A second trip to Sloan Kettering in NYC revealed that he had lymphoma--osteolymphoma, to be exact. An aggressive round of chemo might do the trick. Words from the MD in NYC were, "Research has been great for lymphoma." My sister called to tell me the news--and off I went to San Diego for my marathon. Battling a horrid case of plantar fasciatis, I decided I'd do the full course and dedicate my race to Matt--his recovery--his future. Then, at mile 18 I bartered with God that I'd do an event with TEAM IN TRAINING every season until Matt was CURED! I have done countless events for TNT, but none ever tugged at my heart strings knowing that my energy was sent to Matt.

I visited Matt a few weeks ago in North Carolina--we had a fun visit. I was a brave aunt and offered my love and support to him and my sister 's family. But, my tears came as I gave him my medal from the race. He was touched, and I saw his eyes, too, fill with tears.

My message is simple. As women, we wear many hats. We have the power to add change to the world. We never give up hope and while staying physically fit, there is SO much we can do..

I will be shuffling my feet for the Philadelphia Distance Run -- a nice, flat and fast (though not for me) course. I will devote the race to my nephew Matt and every other Patient Hero I've ever had. I've raised more than $25,000 over the past seven years, and I'd like to think that the miles I cover through a five month training have helped to find a cure.

I urge you to tell your readers to get moving, shake the world, make a difference -- start walking,running, biking. Don't sit still.

In peace,

Char Nolan Head Walk Coach
Team In Training